Elite Male Endurance Athlete

10 ml/kg/min

25 ml/kg/min

30 ml/kg/min

35 ml/kg/min

40 ml/kg/min

45 ml/kg/min

50 ml/kg/min

60 ml/kg/min

70 ml/kg/min

This slide shows the typical VO2 max values for different types of individuals. Frail elderly may have max values as low as 10-15 ml/kg/min (or about 3-4 METS). Elite athletes, on the other hand, may have max values as high as 70 ml/kg/min).

While the slide shows differences between males and females in terms of relative aerobic fitness, these differences are not apparent when differences in levels of body fatness are taken into account. Males have higher aerobic fitness on a pound for pound basis because they typically have lower levels of body fat (which has a low oxygen requirement)